Athletic Bilbao vs. Manchester United: 5 Key Moments in Both Round of 16 Clashes

Manchester United shamefully crashed out of the UEFA Europa League following a painfully lacklustre showing in both legs against Athletic Bilbao, with five key moments across the two games being decisive.

Even the magic of Wayne Rooney—who was United's best player in both games—wasn't enough to give the Red Devils a glimmer of hope at the San Mames, as Athletic saw the tie out in style.

They outpassed, outscored and outplayed the three-time European Cup winners, who will have to do a lot better if they are to retain their Premier League title.

Here are the five key moments across the two legs.

Oscar De Marcos' goal in the first leg at Old Trafford was vital in the tie, as it gave Athletic Bilbao the lead for the first time—a deserved one for the way they were bossing Manchester United.

The goal crushed United psychologically, and clearly gave the visitors belief to score more, knowing the Red Devils were losing their confidence fast.

It was also the moment where, with 108 of the 180 minutes left to play in the round of 16 clash, it became abundantly clear to both sides that Athletic were the clear favourites to progress.

Iker Muniain's goal to make it 3-1 to Athletic Bilbao at Old Trafford killed off the game, and rendered the return leg in Spain a mere formality.

It was a defining moment which summed up what Manchester United have become in Europe this season—a truly weak team with even less capability to win than APOEL Nicosia.

With just injury time left to play, United were set for their second consecutive defeat in the Europa League (also second at home) and had a monumental uphill task if they wanted to qualify, especially with the three away goals conceded.

When Oscar De Marcos handled the ball just inside the penalty area, Manchester United were given a penalty—a glimmer of hope (more so than a lifeline) to take into the return leg.

Wayne Rooney converted the spot-kick, and at the very least gave United some confidence and psychological momentum for the fixture in Bilbao.

It also gave the player himself more confidence heading into the Premier League game with West Bromwich Albion, where Rooney scored both goals as United won 2-0.

The game at San Mames didn't need Fernando Llorente's opener for the match to be ended as a contest.

It was clear that Iker Muniain's chance in the 14th minute when he hit the post was the moment that killed off United psychologically.

Oscar De Marcos somehow blazed over the rebound, but the warning signs were loud and clear, and United knew there was more to come—a realisation which meant they were never going to be able to get the first goal, and thus find a way back into the tie.

After Fernando Llorente and Oscar De Marcos (who was the best player across both games) put Athletic Bilbao 2-0 up, Wayne Rooney's brilliant 25-yard strike made it 2-1 with 10 minutes to go.

That gave United another little glimmer of hope, and on 89 minutes they had the chance to pull a goal back and set up a nervy finish, needing just one more goal to take the tie to extra time—and the Red Devils have proven over the years they are capable of snatching glory at the death.

But, goalkeeper Gorka Iraizoz had other plans when he saved Danny Welbeck's brilliant attempt from distance, ending any possibility of a Manchester United fightback, and leaving them to crash and burn out of Europe as his team triumphantly marched into the quarterfinals.